2. Audi R8: 420-hp

Audi

Horsepower: 420

Audi supercar: Yeah, not so long ago that just didn’t sound right. The all-wheel drive, mid-engine, $109,000 R8 has changed that and more. The ambitious project was made easier by underpinning the gorgeous aluminum/magnesium body over the chassis of the corporate cousin Lamborghini Gallardo. However, don’t mistake this for badge engineering, because the R8 is generously powered by the automaker’s own 4.2-liter V8 — for now. There’s plenty to suggest the next iteration of the remarkable R8 will be offered with a powerplant derived from their Le Mans racers. And then we’ll all have to get used to the sound of Audi V12 turbodiesel supercar.